Arethusa Reserve, Northland

Walking tracks: There is one track around the lake that ventures through ancient dune-scapes and beech forest. It takes around 20 minutes.

Photo: Peter McKenzie

The locals: The major wetland in the reserve is home to pukeko, grey duck, mallard, pied cormorant, black swan, paradise shelduck, kingfisher and spotless crake.

Getting there: The reserve lies 6 kilometres from Ninety Mile beach, and 2 kilometres from the East coast. See map

The Arethusa reserve was once filled with everything spiky, prickly and Australian - namely gorse and hakea. Since it was gifted to Forest in 1985, it has been regenerated to its former self through our re-planting efforts.

Kauri, kahikatea, pohutakawa have been planted, and the once dominant tree species – The once dominant tree species, Sydney golden wattle, is now giving way to naturally occurring kanuka, karo, manuka and other native vegetation.